Jay Hieron vs. Joe Riggs targeted for "Strikeforce: Miami" in January

With his welterweight title shot on hold and with a potential bout with Marius Zaromskis ultimately scrapped, Jay Hieron (18-4 MMA, 1-0 SF) instead is expected to meet veteran Joe Riggs (32-11 MMA, 3-2 SF) next month at “Strikeforce: Miami.”

Sources close to the event told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) the fight is in the works, but bout agreements have not been signed, and the Florida State Boxing Commission must first approve the matchup.

“Strikeforce: Miami” takes place Jan. 30 at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla., and airs on Showtime.

Hieron, of course, was slated to fight Nick Diaz for Strikeforce’s first-ever welterweight title in August. Diaz, though, wasn’t licensed for the fight (after skipping a mandatory drug test), and Hieron instead earned a unanimous-decision victory over replacement Jesse Taylor. It was his sixth consecutive victory.

Hieron, who turned down a deal with the UFC to sign with Strikeforce this summer, then seemed a natural choice to fight Diaz in January. Instead, Strikeforce officials decided to pit Diaz against Zaromskis. (Officials briefly considered Hieron vs. Zaromskis before the Diaz vs. Zaromskis booking.)

Even before discussions about the Riggs fight, Hieron told MMAjunkie.com Radio he simply wants big fights and will remain patient for a title shot.

“All good things come to those that wait,” Hieron said. “Trust me; I’m going to make a statement in my next fight.”

If the fight is booked, Riggs certainly brings some name recognition. The former top UFC welterweight contender defeated Luke Stewart in November 2008 but broke his hand in the fight and was sidelined for seven months. He’s since defeated Phil Baroni via decision at a June Strikeforce event, and earlier this month, he swiftly knocked out David Barnes at Rage in the Cage 138.